The Invader was one of the few combat aircraft to be conceived, designed, developed, produced in quantity, and used in large numbers all during WWII. The XA-26 first flew on 10 July 1942.1355 solid nose A-26Bs were constructed and 1091 glass-nose A-26Cs. A- 26 combat missions began on 19 November 1944 with the 9th Air Force. A-26s also served U.S. forces in Korea and Viet Nam. In 1948 the Invader was redesignated B-26. In 1966 the "AX' category was reestablished and the B-26K was redesignated A-26A. A-26s served the USAF-ANG in many roles from June 1948 until the last VB-26B was retired in 1972.

The Planes of Farne Invader was built as a solid nose A-26B by Douglas in Long Beech, CA. It served in Europe with the 9th Air Force during World War II. Post-war it was converted to a glass nose A- 26C and served in Japan and Korea between 1953 and 1956. After military service it became a fire bomber in British Columbia for 16 years as tanker number 321 for Conair. It came to Planes of Fame Museum in 1987.